For some reason, I’m always in a position where I have to defend Marc-Andre Fleury. My colleagues can’t wait for Matt Murray to get back between the pipes, which I've never really understood, but it's fine because I’ve ridden Fleury to the bank many times and I’m going to do it again tonight.

In game two MAF turned aside 23 shots while earning his 10th playoff shutout in his career. Through 14 games in the postseason, Fleury is 9-5 with a 2.32 GA to go along with his outstanding .931 save percentage. Since 2010 the Canadian netminder is 209-100, that’s a 68% win percentage giving nothing but confidence when financially supporting the two-time Stanley Cup Champion.

As a team, the Penguins continue to battle through injuries, as they have most of the season, but that, in many ways, has made the Pens more battle tested with a big serving of resiliency. Bryan Rust will travel with the team and is a game-time decision after hitting his head on the ice. Similar situation for Patric Hornqvist who will also travel for game three but it’s unclear if he’ll see action. Justin Schultz’s availability will be a question mark until game time.

Despite the injuries to their depth they still have two of the best players on the planet in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and don’t we always seem to neglect Phil Kessel who has done nothing but power his way through another 20 goal season.

I’m simply going with the better of the two teams as Pittsburgh extends their lead in the series.